A Fossil Free Sweden

“Sweden will be one of the world’s first fossil-free welfare nations, and in the long term our energy system will be based on 100 per cent renewable energy,” write Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Minister for Climate and the Environment Åsa Romson in a covering letter to the Fossil-free Sweden initiative.

Photo: Martina Huber/Regeringskansliet

Climate change is upon us. It is serious and it affects everyone – those of us living now and future generations. It is the critical issue of our time.

Global warming must be kept as far below two degrees as possible to avoid the most serious climate impacts. It is possible, if we want to do so. The climate change conference in Paris is our next opportunity to demonstrate global leadership.

Sweden is accelerating the pace of its climate change adaptation because it is essential for the future of the planet and because it enhances our own competitiveness and quality of life.

Sweden will be one of the world’s first fossil-free welfare nations. Emissions will be reduced at the rate necessary for globally sustainable development. Sweden will have a fossil-free vehicle fleet and is investing to achieve our goal of 100 per cent renewable energy.

Ahead of the climate change conference in Paris, the UN has launched an Action Agenda for companies, cities, municipalities and organisations to support non-state actors in their efforts to reduce emissions. Within the framework of the Fossil-free Sweden initiative, the Government will gather and support all Swedish actors that want to take part. We challenge other countries to do likewise to intensify their efforts ahead of the climate change conference in Paris and future global climate action.